Central NJ cancer center supports whole family

BEDMINSTER — In 2010, 51-year-old Julie Patskin’s life took a pivotal turn. Her doctor told her she had cancer and although she was the one with the disease, her entire family had to handle the diagnosis.

Patskin, on the advice of her medial team, took a combined medical and holistic approach to removing the cancer from her body. She used surgery to cut out the cancer from her colon and attended the Cancer Support Center of Central New Jersey to cut out the cancer from her family’s lives.

The haven, as described by Patskin, is dedicated to patients and their loved ones, providing a total approach to curing cancer by relieving stress, providing oncology counseling and a homeopathic approach mind, body and soul treatments.

“By helping my mind it helped my body to heal,” said Patskin.

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Research developed by Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), in Germany, recently indicated that stress may be contributing to the onset of diseases “by changing our very genes.” Substantial evidence suggests that exposure to long periods of stress increases rates of cancer development and growth, the research says.

“We always hear from patients that they are overwhelmed by cancer and the fear it causes, but we also know that the fear and uncertainty that impacts family members and loved ones also increases the amount of stress the patient feels,” said Amy Sutton Director of the Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey. “The research shows evidence that the impact of stress on the patient increases when they see their loved ones struggle with their disease. That is why we work with the entire family unit to give support, no matter what happens.”

Since opening in 2004, more than 7,500 people have come through the doors and the center continues to provided free essential, but often overlooked, support to an average of 1,000 cancer patient, survivors and family members annually. Their nurturing groups, healthy lifestyle programs and educational workshops, led by experts, are fully funded by generators contributions from local sponsors and foundations.

“Every week, in Central New Jersey, (approximately) 260 people are diagnosed with cancer,” said Sutton. “If you add those individual’s loved ones, friends and family, the number of people affected by the disease grows substantially.”

According to the center’s recent newsletter, 65 percent, or over $700,000, was spent on programs in 2012. However, in the same year the center was able to raise over $800,000 on income, leaving only a small margin of funds towards operating expenses.

Patskin, now 54, underwent numerous surgeries and several set-backs during her year-long treatment for colon cancer, recalled the substantial benefits her daughter, who was 14 at the time, received from supportive center. “She was starting high school, which was a lot to deal with, and then she also had to deal with my cancer,” said Patskin. “What was great is that she would be in a room, with other kids whose parents are also diagnosed with cancer, and they could talk about how they felt or anything at all.”

The Bedminster mother of 1 and wife of over 30 years, no longer exhibits cancer symptoms, but still attends the center regularly to keep the stress of a possible unset of the disease at bay.

According to an Institute of Medicine’s report entitled “Cancer for the Whole Patient: Meeting the Psychosocial Health Needs”, the standard of care should “include appropriate psychosocial health services…in order to reduce patient’s suffering, help them adhere to prescribed treatments and support their return to health.” Dr. Kathleen Toomey, a Professional Advisory Board Chair at the center “ (This) program is focused on teaching cancer patients, family members and caregivers vital wellness tools in order to improve quality of life and possibly reduce the risk of recurrence. Now more than ever, these tools are important as we are seeing an increase in survivorship.”

In the last five years, cancer mortality rates have dropped 20 percent from their highest levels in 1991, according to Dr. Toomey. “This means that since 1990 over one million fewer deaths have occurred and in 2009 150,000 deaths were avoided.”

On October 10th the Center will celebrate their Annual Spirit of Hope at the Olde Mill Inn featuring a “Wine, Dine and Entertain” themed silent auction with all proceeds going to support the center’s free programs to all those affected by cancer in Central New Jersey. For sponsorship and ticket information, please visit cancersupportcnj.org.

“The medical professionals, they were wonderful and I loved them for what they did, but it is very critical to have support for your mind…when you have cancer you start to wonder if you can ever do things again like play tennis or travel the world,” said Patskin. “Because of the support I got at the center I am not just surviving, I’m thriving.”

About the Author

After being laid off from American Express, Sherrina went back to school and got a masters from C.U.N.Y. She isn't scared to ask tough questions and enjoys getting the story behind the story. Reach the author at Snavani@trentonian.com
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